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Teammates on the Rancho Bernardo High roller hockey squad know how tough it can be when Spencer Ridout plays for the other side.

After his start on the youth level in Rancho Bernardo, Ridout moved to the Los Angeles area and performed for the Junior Ducks club based in Anaheim. Any reunions with his old RB friends would be in competition at regional tournaments.

“It was good to see Spencer play,” Broncos junior Geoff Sagara said. “He was definitely one of my main opponents. Then he came back to Rancho Bernardo, and he’s been a really good asset.”

During the summer before his freshman year, Ridout returned to his hometown and showed promise on the RB varsity even though his season was interrupted by a broken collarbone that required surgery.

Now the 6-foot-2, 175-pound sophomore has emerged as the Metro Conference scoring leader this season. In helping the Broncos (12-1) get off to an 11-0 start, he had 30 goals and 18 assists.

“We’re doing pretty good with the teamwork and everything,” Ridout said. “Basically, I just want to play as hard as I can and hustle and be effective. I want to make up to the team for the loss (to injury) last year.”

As part of a Navy family, Ridout has lived in Hawaii and Virginia. Once he took up roller hockey at age 11, with encouragement from an uncle, he’s been at home at the rink no matter where he might reside.

“At first I wanted to try something new, and I liked it a lot,” Ridout said. “It’s nonstop. You keep hustling and scoring, and you can work as a team leader.”

In 14 games last season, returning in time for the playoffs, Ridout had 22 goals and 14 assists as the Broncos (14-9) reached the semifinals.

“He’s very dynamic,” said RB coach Pat Sagara, also Geoff’s father. “Spencer is fast and big, and he has a very nice shot.”

Rancho Bernardo, which is seeking its first conference crown since 2008, has a young roster with just three seniors yet six returning players, including both goaltenders, who play on an alternating basis.

“We’re a year ahead of where I expected we’d be,” Pat Sagara said. “We’re very well-rounded. I’m so impressed with the teamwork. We have our stars, but there really aren’t any egos involved. Everyone is pulling for each other.”

The Broncos outscored the opposition 86-25 while winning their first 11 games with three shutouts by junior goalie Cameron Richards.

“Along with a bunch of returners from last year, the new players have also contributed a lot to winning,” said Geoff Sagara, a third-year varsity member. “Also, our practices focus a lot on specific details on how we can improve.”

The younger Sagara primarily plays forward, but he also fills other spots as needed, including special teams. Also back from last season are senior captain Zach Semonian, senior goalie Ryan O’Rourke and sophomore Nate Kallen.

Top newcomers include sophomore Alex Pelletier and freshman Nick Wagner. Because Kallen and Wagner also play club ice hockey, they are available for half of the games.

“Basically, we just have to keep doing what we’re doing,” Ridout said. “That’s playing as a team and communicating.”